Summary

The coach of the Indiana Pacers and NBA legend reveals the eight universal principles that must be mastered in order to achieve success in life and provides personal stories drawn from his experiences as an African American athlete, businessman, and community leader.

Author Notes

Isiah Thomas is a twelve-time NBA All-Star, winning two championships as well as the Finals MVP award in 1990. Named one of the fifty greatest players in NBA history, he became a Hall of Famer in 1999. Head coach of the Indiana Pacers, Thomas is also very active on the community front. He founded the Isiah Thomas Foundation, and he participates in projects for the Fannie Mae Foundation. Thomas lives in Indiana with his wife and two children

Publisher's Weekly Review

A former Detroit Pistons star and the current head coach of the Indiana Pacers, Thomas has a classic success story; he shares it here along with his "fundamentals" principles designed to instruct (and inspire) readers to achieve both personal and economic goals. "I doubt that I would have had the successes I've had in life if it weren't for the survival lessons I learned on the West Side," Thomas writes, describing his early years as the youngest of nine children growing up in a Chicago ghetto. "When I go back to my old neighborhood, whether in my mind or in person, even my worst experiences are sources of strength and inspiration." Thomas's successes aren't just on the basketball court; an investment holdings company and a foundation supporting educational and recreational activities for disadvantaged kids both bear his name. With its easy, colloquial tone, this volume is part autobiography and part advice book; vignettes from Thomas's life are interspersed with the lessons they can teach. The eight primary fundamentals serve as the names of chapters; at the end of each, Thomas lists more detailed "fundamental points." Thus, the "Go Deeper for Commitment" fundamental is illustrated by Thomas's analysis of his and other basketball players' strengths as well as closing points like "Reject self-satisfaction, but trust in the self-confidence that comes with inner strength and a fearless commitment to your goals." The advice isn't revolutionary, nor is it especially focused on business success; still, this serves as a solid motivational tome. (Nov.) Forecast: Sales should be solid, particularly among African-American readers and Indiana residents, though not exceptional given the number of similar books by sports figures published over the past few months. The publisher has planned a large marketing and publicity campaign. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved